New parametrization method for dissipative particle dynamics

We introduce an improved method of parameterizing the Groot-Warren version of Dissipative Particle Dynamics (DPD) by exploiting a correspondence between DPD and Scatchard-Hildebrand regular solution theory. The new parameterization scheme widens the realm of applicability of DPD by first removing the restriction of equal repulsive interactions between like beads, and second, by relating all conservative interactions between beads directly to cohesive energy densities. We establish the correspondence by deriving an expression for the Helmoltz free energy of mixing obtaining a heat of mixing which is exactly the same form as that for a regular mixture (quadratic in the volume fraction) and an entropy of mixing which reduces to the ideal entropy of mixing for equal molar volumes. We equate the conservative interaction parameters in the DPD force law to the cohesive energy densities of the pure fluids providing an alternative method of calculating the self-interaction parameters as well as a route to the cross-interaction parameter. We validate the new parameterization by modelling the binary system: SnI4/SiCl4, which displays liquid-liquid coexistence below an upper critical solution temperature around 140°C. A series of DPD simulations were conducted at a set of temperatures ranging from 0°C to above the experimental upper critical solution temperature using conservative parameters based on extrapolated experimental data. These simulations can be regarded as being equivalent to a quench from a high temperature to a lower one at constant volume. Our simulations recover the expected phase behaviour ranging from solid-liquid coexistence to liquid-liquid co-existence and eventually leading to a homogeneous single phase system. The results yield a binodal curve in close agreement with one predicted using regular solution theory, but, significantly, in closer agreement with actual solubility measurements

Decoupling and iterative approaches to the control of discrete linear repetitive processes

This paper reports new results on the analysis and control of discrete linear repetitive processes which are a distinct class of 2D discrete linear systems of both systems theoretic and applications interest. In particular, we first propose an extension to the basic state-space model to include a coupling term previously neglected but which arises in some applications and then proceed to show how computationally efficient control laws can be designed for this new model

On controllability and control laws for discrete linear repetitive processes

Repetitive processes are a distinct class of 2D systems (i.e. information propagation in two independent directions) of both systems theoretic and applications interest. They cannot be controlled by the direct extension of existing techniques from either standard (termed 1D here) or 2D systems theory. This article develops significant new results on the relationships between one physically motivated concept of controllability for the so-called discrete linear repetitive processes and the structure and design of control laws, including the case when disturbances are present

Factors Influencing Successful Small-Farm Operations in North Carolina

The overall goal of this research project is to identify and refine factors influencing successful small farm operations in North Carolina. Small farms account for 91 percent of all farms. Given the importance of small farm viability, this research project focuses on identifying ways to further enhance successful small farming in North Carolina. In an effort to further explain the factors that affect successful small-scale farming, researchers have identified factors that have underpinnings in 1) small-farm educational programming; 2) small-scale agricultural enterprises and production practices; 3) alternative marketing; and 4) risk management. Although this research project includes several surveys, for this phase of the project the survey instrument solicited production and financial data, attitudes and beliefs about farming, as well as demographic questions. The research instrument was distributed to a sampling frame that also included small farmers not identified as being successful. Outcomes of this project yielded possible ways to further enhance the success of small farms in North Carolina. Based on case study and questionnaire results, income was not found to be as important as believed and the overall, “love of farming,” seemed to be the driving force behind the farmer’s view of success and not profit. The small farm may represent an individual business enterprise but in reality represents a family business whose success is often measured in qualifiers indicators rather than business quantifiers.Small Farm, Agribusiness, Successful, Agribusiness,

Exploration Linking Self-Reported Disordered Eating and Wellness in Undergraduate Health Students

An applied project submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Education Specialist at Morehead State University by Pamela K. Owens on April 29, 2009

Diagnostic yield of cytologic analysis of pericardial effusion in dogs.

BackgroundPericardial effusion cytology is believed by many to be of limited value, yet few studies have evaluated its diagnostic utility.ObjectivesTo determine the diagnostic utility of cytologic analysis of pericardial effusion in dogs and to determine if consideration of additional data could improve the diagnostic yield.AnimalsTwo hundred and fifty-nine dogs with cytologic analysis of pericardial effusion performed between April 1990 and June 2012.MethodsElectronic medical records from a university teaching hospital were retrospectively reviewed; signalment, complete blood count, serum biochemistry, cytologic analysis of pericardial effusion, and echocardiographic data were recorded. Cytology was classified as diagnostic (infectious or neoplastic) or nondiagnostic (hemorrhagic or other) and groups were compared with multiple Student's t-tests.ResultsCytology was grouped as nondiagnostic (92.3%) or diagnostic (7.7%) and characterized as hemorrhagic (90%), neoplastic (4.6%), infectious (3.1%), or other (2.3%). Overall cytologic analysis of pericardial effusion diagnostic utility was 7.7% and increased to 20.3% if the effusion hematocrit (HCT) <10%; echocardiographic evidence of a mass did not result in a significant increase in the diagnostic utility.Conclusions and clinical importanceThe diagnostic utility of cytologic analysis of canine pericardial effusion is variable depending on the underlying etiology. In this group of dogs, the diagnostic yield of cytologic analysis was greater for pericardial effusion samples in which the HCT was less than 10%

Phosphorus loss from grass buffer strip species undergoing freezing and thawing

Non-Peer Reviewe

Validation of Factors Influencing Successful Small Scale Farming in North Carolina

This phase of the research project involves developing a survey instrument to test the validity and predictive value of the variables identified in previous case studies. Given the importance of small farm viability, this research project focuses on identifying ways to further enhance successful small farming in North Carolina. The survey instrument was designed to solicit production and financial data, attitudes and beliefs about farming, as well as demographic questions. The results demonstrated that successful farmers indicators were the “love of farming” and “manageable debt”. Other strong indicators of successful farmers included a combination of marketing strategies that utilize technology such as websites as well as local farmers markets and educational level. Knowledge about the successful small farm is likely to provide valuable information about how to evaluate the “successfulness” of small farm operations and produce best practices models for small scale farm operations.Small Farmers, Agribusiness, Agribusiness, Farm Management,